Exploration of HER2 (ERBB2) immunohistochemistry in non-small cell lung cancer: correlation with ERBB2 mutational status: experimental research

ERBB2 (HER2) is a gene in humans that encodes the ERBB2 protein, a member of the epidermal growth factor receptor family. Non-small cell lung carcinomas do not commonly harbour ERBB2 mutations, with clinical trials conducted to assess for targeted response and progression-free survival. We retrieved cases of lung adenocarcinoma with next-generation sequencing proven ERBB2 point mutations (n=8) or amplifications (n=11) and assessed the concordance of commercially available ERBB2 (HER2) immunohistochemical antibodies with the next-generation sequencing result. At present, no commercially available ERBB2 clone can accurately detect ERBB2 mutations consistently in non-small cell lung carcinoma specimens, but amplifications can be detected with reasonable diagnostic accuracy.